Gaza city: Gaza authorities have issued a stark warning regarding the planned relocation of 1.3 million civilians from the north to the south of the territory, describing the initiative as 'almost impossible'. The government media office emphasized that the southern provinces are incapable of accommodating such a vast number of forcibly displaced individuals from Gaza City.
According to Anadolu Agency, this warning has surfaced as Israel prepares to occupy Gaza City, necessitating the displacement of its residents. Witnesses report that the Israeli army has demolished entire neighborhoods in northern Gaza City, compelling residents to migrate southward.
The government media office revealed that although Israel has allowed the entry of tents and shelter supplies, a mere 10,000 tents have been provided, which accounts for only 4% of the required 250,000 tents and caravans. This shortfall underscores the delays and manipulation in addressing the urgent humanitarian needs, it added.
Furthermore, the office noted the absence of tents or shelter supplies at border crossings, attributing this to the complex restrictions enforced by Israel on international aid organizations. These restrictions have intensified the plight of the displaced population.
The office also highlighted the lack of safe relocation areas in southern Gaza, citing that the Israeli army's control over nearly 77% of the territory exacerbates the difficulty of any new displacement and jeopardizes the safety of those forced to move.
Last Friday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz sanctioned army plans for the occupation of Gaza City, promising extensive military action and further population displacement. The ongoing military operations have resulted in nearly 62,700 Palestinian casualties in Gaza since October 2023, leaving the enclave in a dire state, including the threat of famine.
In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, charging them with war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.